The European Commission’s 2027 Work Programme and the priorities of the European Committee of the Regions are at the heart of a new political declaration published by the CoR Conference of Presidents on 5 May 2026.
The text calls for a stronger role for local and regional authorities in European policies, a defence of cohesion policy and greater attention to social, digital, environmental and security issues.
A defence of European cohesion policy
The European Committee of the Regions affirms its opposition to any recentralisation of the European Union’s future multiannual budget for the period 2028–2034. Regional representatives call for the maintenance of a stable budget dedicated to cohesion policy for all categories of European regions. They also wish for the ‘do no harm to cohesion’ principle to be applied to all European funds and programmes.
The declaration also emphasises the need to involve local and regional authorities in the development of future national and regional partnership plans. The CoR is calling for legal guarantees to ensure that Member States genuinely consult local and regional authorities when implementing European policies.
Innovation, digitalisation and technological sovereignty
The text calls on the European Commission to develop a strategy linking territorial innovation, regional ecosystems and industrial competitiveness. The aim is to complement existing European programmes such as Horizon Europe and the future European Competitiveness Fund.
The Committee of the Regions also emphasises European technological sovereignty and the development of decentralised digital infrastructure. It calls for stricter oversight of major digital platforms and a strengthening of fundamental rights online.
In this context, the future Digital Fairness Act is presented as an essential tool for protecting users, particularly minors. The CoR calls for greater algorithmic transparency, restrictions on digital practices deemed unfair, and simpler rules for businesses.
Security, defence and crisis preparedness
The declaration proposes strengthening regional cooperation in European defence policies. The CoR calls for a mapping of defence-related businesses and industrial clusters at regional level, as well as better coordination of investments between the different levels of governance.
Local and regional authorities should also play a greater role in internal security and crisis preparedness policies. The Committee recommends the creation of a European agenda for local and regional security and calls for evaluation mechanisms to measure the effectiveness of European preparedness measures.
Social priorities and public health
On the front of social policies, the CoR supports an ambitious European policy against poverty, with particular focus on affordable housing, high-quality public services and the European Child Guarantee. The text also advocates a future reinforced action plan for the European Pillar of Social Rights.
The declaration also encourages the preparation of a new European strategy for children and a new strategy for young people. Networks of young European elected representatives are cited as tools for democratic participation.
On health matters, the European Committee of the Regions calls for a revision of the Patients’ Rights Directive to facilitate cross-border healthcare cooperation, particularly in border regions.
It also supports future European initiatives on tobacco, alcohol and ultra-processed foods.
Biodiversity, pollution and the green transition
The text calls on the Commission to prepare a new European biodiversity strategy for the period after 2030, with the direct involvement of local and regional authorities.
Water management and the fight against chemical pollution are also among the priorities. The CoR calls for public and private investment to modernise water infrastructure, reduce leaks, digitise networks and tackle PFAS-related pollution.
Finally, the Committee wishes to be more closely involved in the implementation of the European ‘zero pollution’ plan and the revision of the REACH regulation on chemicals.
European democracy and enlargement
The declaration emphasises the strengthening of local and regional democracy within the European Union. The CoR calls for territorial monitoring of respect for the rule of law and increased support for citizen participation in the face of disinformation and hate speech.
The document also addresses the enlargement of the European Union and the preparation of the necessary reforms prior to the accession of new Member States. Local and regional authorities wish to be involved in this process, particularly regarding the reception of Ukrainian refugees and future voluntary return programmes.
In conclusion, the European Committee of the Regions affirms its commitment to actively participating in the preparation of the European Commission’s 2027 work programme to ensure that European policies take greater account of territorial realities and the principle of subsidiarity.
